Don't Risk Your Future on a T Shirt - Nail That Interview

Hi Doug. I need to talk to you. Business has been slow and we to make some cut backs in order to save money. I'm sorry but we're going to lay you off. I need you to clean out your desk and leave the building.

Unfortunately this is a conversation taking place all over the country and according to the bureau of labor statistics the current unemployment is at 9.4%. That means there are a lot of people looking for a job. If your one of them it is important that you don't blow your interview by showing up looking completely inappropriate.

There are three levels of dress that you should be prepared for in going to an interview. They include casual, business casual and professional. You need to know the correct style of dress before you go to your interview. You can ask what the dress code is when they call to set up your interview or call the company receptionist and ask them what the dress code is.

Casual dress is simple. You can wear jeans and a shirt. Make sure your clothes are clean and free of smells with no holes. I would suggest that you wear a nicer pair of shoes and not the tennis shoes you have had for almost a year. Make sure your hair is neat and groomed. Under no circumstances should you ever wear a T shirt instead wear a solid color polo or button up shirt. The types of jobs you would dress casual for would be fast food establishments or other similar jobs.

Business casual is what most people should wear to an interview. For men this would usually include a collared shirt, possibly a sport jacket, slacks, black socks and a matching belt and shoes. For women it would be a good quality blouse with a blazer, slacks or a skirt, nylons if wearing a skirt and leather closed toe shoes. Also and appropriate dress can be considered to fit in this category. You should wear business casual for any jobs from retail to management positions.

Professional dress is one of the most dangerous areas of dress since a slight miscalculation could cost you any chance of advancing past the first interview. When you dress professional people expect you to be on top of the game and will not let little mistakes slide as if you had dressed in one of the other two categories. For men you are going to wear a suit and tie with a white or solid color tie. Also shoes and belts must be black or brown and your shoes must be well polished. Pressed slacks and dark socks are also a must and ensure your hair and nails are well groomed. Keep any tattoos covered and wear only a wedding ring and a watch for jewelry. For women a business suit or dress with a suit jacket are acceptable. Shoes should be closed toe pumps. Limit jewelry to small pair of stud earrings, wedding band, watch and maybe a necklace/pendant that compliments the outfit. For both sexes the preferred color is black, gray or navy. Professional dress should be worn for executive, banking, and professional types of positions.